Dr. Norman Frohlich passed away on June 27, 2013, five days after suffering a massive stroke. Norm was an integral part of MCHP right from its inception; contributing to several MCHP research projects as well as being primarily responsible for developing the SEFI (Socio-economic Factors Index), the longest running measure used at MCHP for assessing socioeconomic status. He was also considered one of the key research scientists foundational to the inception of MCHP in the early 1990s.

“With the vision of a philosopher and the precision of a mathematician (he was both),” Norm was essential to the development of MCHP’s measurement methodologies; championing that because some census areas have so few people, using one characteristic of an individual’s area of residence as an indicator of socio-economic status (% low income or % low education) was less reliable than a measure built from several such indicators. MCHP has used this approach ever since.

An award winning researcher in the Faculty of Management, Norm was a Professor Emeritus who co-authored three books: Choosing Justice: An Experimental Approach to Ethical Theory, Modern Political Economy and Political Leadership and Collective Goods. He was awarded the Duncan Black Prize for the best article of the year in the journal Public Choice.

Dr. Frohlich also extended his intellect to the Tri-Council Panel on Research Ethics as a panel member for over 10 years, during which time he transitioned from member to Chair. As Chair, Norm took lead on the major task of revising the entire Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS). Norm was the driving force behind the revision, which included two complete drafts and two sets of public consultations over an intense two-year period. Norm crafted the core principles of the 2nd edition of the TCPS – respect for persons, concern for welfare, and justice – and ensured that all elements of the policy reflected and respected them.

Norm had a formidable intellect but he was, above all, a good person– generous with his time and advice, interested in the views of others, with a great sense of humour and a deep humanity. He maintained his friendship with many in Winnipeg after retiring to Montreal.

Chad Gaffield, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, observed:

“Norman Frohlich personified the emerging ideal of a 21st century scholar and scientist. Based on a rich and diverse education, his research advanced the frontiers of knowledge, his pedagogy helped optimize the potential of countless students, and his engagement enhanced all our efforts to embrace robust ways of working on campus and beyond to ensure social, intellectual, and cultural benefits for Canada and the world.”

His death is a shock and came all too soon.